Cash boost will help eradicate Mold's flood risk

TWO million pounds committed by the Welsh Government could secure the future of a town’s threatened flood defence scheme.

A three-phase £6.1m risk management scheme for Mold has been designed to eradicate the risk of flooding for residents of more than 90 homes who have suffered repeated problems over the years.

The money comes from a £10m pot released on Monday which will also help to limit flooding troubles in Pontblyddyn.

Natural Resources Minister Alun Davies said the money was part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to managing flooding risks across Wales.

“As well as delivering protection from flooding and coastal erosion for some of our most vulnerable communities, this additional funding will also help to create and secure local jobs,” he added.

Last year the Leader reported the ongoing Mold Flood Alleviation Scheme, which began in 2004, might never be completed because of funding issues, but councillors now hope the new windfall will finally make flooding in the town a thing of the past.

Householders such as those living in Cae Bracty have been repeatedly the victim of heavy rain.

Mold town councillor Ray Dodd said: “I am delighted this money has been allocated after so many years of flooding in the area.

“Residents have had to cope with a lot of cost and distress. Funding for the Mold Flood Alleviation Scheme has been an issue.”

Before last October Flintshire Council, which is working with Mold residents on the project, had managed to secure no more than £2.4m for the project while Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has said it will stump up £500,000 of the cost.

However, since the start of the year coffers have been boosted by more than £1m from the European Regional Development Fund.

The latest announcement follows hot on the heels of a £212,000 grant from the Welsh Government in March which provided houses with ‘flood gates’ which can be quickly installed when needed. The scheme involves ambitious plans to redirect water flowing down from the fields above Mold.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales has also welcomed having received £2m for projects it is co-ordinating including a new defence at Pontblyddyn which suffers from flooding from the Dingle Stream.

Trefor Owen from Natural Resources Wales said: “Although we can never eliminate the threat of flooding completely, this investment will reduce the risk to people and property.”